WIs in the spotlight

THERE'S more to the WI than jam scones and jumble sales '“ just ask some of the 350 members who descended on Worthing for a special screening of the hit film Calendar Girls.

The women had come from Women's Institutes across West Sussex for a special screening of the hit film at the Connaught Theatre.

And they are hoping the cheeky antics of the WI members in the film will inspire more women to get involved with the organisation.

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Janice Langley, of Washington WI, is on the board of the National Federation of Women's Institutes and was one of many WI members chosen to appear in the film as extras.

She said she hoped the film would change the public's perception of the WI.

"The image the general public has got is not what we're really about. We're always looking for new members and new ideas.

"It would be really nice if we could get groups set up by younger women. There's no restrictions on membership, except you have to be female."

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The film, which stars Julie Walters, Helen Mirren and Geraldine James, tells the story of members who stripped off and posed for a calendar which was sold to raise money for Leukaemia Research.

Hazel Tester, a member of West Sussex Federation of WI's, said: "It's a wonderful film.

"It's funny and sad. You'll need some tissues.

"The young girls have girl power, well this is woman power.

"It shows that you don't have to be 20 to make a difference."

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Among all the women at the Connaught was a handful of husbands who were honorary WI members for the day.

Tim Pilbrow arrived with his wife, Enid.

He commented: "Considering the subject matter, I can't understand why men aren't queueing up at the door.

"I think they are '“ I'm just the only one brave enough to come through the front entrance."

l Any women interested in becoming a WI member, or setting up their own group, can contact 01243 783134.

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